When we first got Tiger (at 6 months old), she was very fearful and timid. I worked hard to socialize her... introduce her to new things/people/situations. She still doesn't like new people that approach her. She'd rather come up to new people a little bit at a time... and when she feels comfortable she greets them with a tail wag and a smile. I can usually recognize when she needs time to adapt to situations. And, I don't force her when she is nervous. Her vet and groomer are always amazed at how she has come out of her shell. When new staff remark on how sweet she is, the groomer always point out how fearful she used to be.
She has always loved the dog park. I always pay special attention when she meets a new dog. Her body language is very rigid until the sniffing and arcing is done... and then she wags and smiles... and plays with her new friend. We've been going to the dog park for a year, and she has never had a bad experience there.
That is... until Solo joined our merry tribe. They get along wonderfully at home together. But, when we go to the dog park, Tiger acts very different. If it is just the two of them, they play just like at home. But, if there is another dog that wants to "meet" them, Tiger reacts very aggressively toward the stranger. Her reaction is quick: she bypasses the rigid stage and goes straight to growling, snarling, and snapping at the other dog. (She hasn't bitten another dog.) They take her warning, and leave.
But, if it is a dog that she already knows, she gives them her regular greeting... tail wagging, bowing, and smiling.
Solo has been with us for about 6 weeks, and I've noticed that he has started showing fearful behaviors when he meets new dogs. He has always been a confident dog, so this development bothers me.
My question:What do I do to calm her nerves, at least back to the way she was before he came into our family? How should *I* react when she responds this way? Is she being overprotective of her new little brother?
I have tried putting her on a lead to introduce her when we get to the park. That has been moderately successful. But, like any park, strangers are always coming and going.
All suggestions are welcome... because I don't want her teaching the pup how to be fearful.
